Aleix Espargaró is not finishing the second half of the dream season. However, and despite having starred in a major podium drought , the Catalan has not finished getting off the hook at any time in the fight for the title, and with three races to go until the end of the course, he is third, 20 points behind the leader , Fabio Quartararo.
The last race, in Thailand, is a good example of how the Granollers driver has been doing in recent races. Aleix had to serve a penalty in the race and ended up crossing the finish line outside the top ten.
“We had difficulties in the wet,” explained Espargaró at the press conference prior to the Australian Grand Prix. “We improved a bit in the warm up , and we weren’t doing too bad. I think we could fight for sixth or seventh place, but with the long lap … it’s a shame, because we lost a lot of points. But we’re 20 behind the leader , so I’m looking forward to Phillip Island.”
Phillip Island is a special layout that, at a design level, could benefit the RS-GP. This is what Aleix believes, who acknowledged having “wanted” to try it. “This bike has been very competitive on fast circuits where you don’t have to brake so hard, like Argentina,” he said.
“It will be difficult to predict [Aprilia’s strengths], but with the down force and all the wings I think we will be better at the first and last corners. And our engine is better, so on the straight we will also have some advantage. “.
Minutes later, he commented on his concerns about the new fairing of the Aprilia , more generous in dimensions, and its possible inconveniences in the forecast of strong gusts of wind: “We have not yet ridden with this fairing in very windy conditions. We have to see until what point does it take away from us, because in other terms it helps us a lot. In any case, we have the other option available, and we will decide later”.
Regarding the fight for the title, Aleix was clear: “It’s time to go on the attack.” “20 points are not that many, but in three races it’s not going to be easy at all. But I’m going to give it my all. Now it’s time to attack and risk more than ever”.
Finally, he declared that he does not believe that the height regulator will be decisive in the Aussie event . ” Yes, it will be important to manage the tires and the pressures, but not so much the height regulator”, said the #41.
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